Govt Enforces Restrictions

MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE, VEHICLES BARRED –FRIDAY FEAR
Srinagar, Feb 21: In view of protest program by separatist groups for Friday, the Government Thursday evening announced restrictions on movement of people and vehicles in Srinagar and Budgam districts. Official sources said that restrictions would also be in place in Baramulla, Sopore and Bandipora towns of north Kashmir.
Pertinently, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front has called for a shutdown on Friday while Hurriyat Conference (G) has appealed people to stage protests after congregational prayers to press for the demand of return of Muhammad Afzal Guru’s body. Afzal was executed and laid to rest at Tihar Jail in New Delhi on February 9.
An official spokesman said that in Srinagar, the restrictions on the movement of people and vehicles have been imposed in the jurisdiction of 11 police stations, while in Budgam, the restrictions have been imposed in the entire district. An official handout released Thursday evening said: “ In view of law and order situation and to avoid breach of peace and tranquility and damage to life and property, District Magistrate Srinagar Baseer Ahmad Khan has imposed restrictions on the movement of public and transport under Section 144 CrPC in the jurisdiction of police stations of Rainawari, Khanyar, Nowhatta, Safa Kadal, S.R. Gunj, Zadibal, Soura, Maisuma, Kralkhud, Shaheed Gunj and Batamaloo from midnight February 21 with immediate effect till further orders. Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar, has been directed to implement the order in letter and spirit,” the handout said.
It said that District Magistrate Budgam, Khurshid Ahmad Shah, has imposed restrictions under Section 144 CrPC on February 22 from 6 am in district Budgam. The SSP Budgam has been directed to implement this order in letter and spirit.
Official sources said restrictions would also be imposed in other sensitive areas of the Valley. “There would be restrictions in towns like Sopore, Baramulla and Bandipora,” a top police official told Greater Kashmir, adding that every step would be taken to safeguard the lives and property. “No one would be allowed to disrupt peace,” he said.